Reconnecting with Lost Alumnae
 

Hi everyone!! A few years ago my chapter was booted off campus and ever since returning, we've been having trouble reconnecting with our alumnae.

To all the alumnae out there, what is your preferred way to be reached out to? I have already started to right hand written letters as a way to make it feel more personal since emails and DMs on social media aren't possible for all!

I just really want to reconnect with the girls who were part of the chapter a few years before we were booted. They are all recent graduates from out college that could really help our sisters grow!

Also, what's the most appropriate way to ask alumnae to donate old merch to our chapter members? You don't have to answer all questions anything helps :)

A few questions for you, please:


Is this an NPC group, a non-NPC group but with other national chapters, or a local group?


Are the alumnae you wish to contact still in good standing with your local/national organization, or were they removed from membership due to being booted off campus? You don't want to reconnect with people who won't be allowed to assist the chapter.

Hi Cheerio!!

Sorry I should've specified! We're a NPC group & we currently have a list of all the alumnae that are in good standing with our NHQ that we're working with! The list has different information like current addresses, phone #s, emails, etc. I just don't know how most alumnae would prefer to be contacted nowadays

Our org has used both emails and snailed letter methods. Either works for me.


And just asking: what types of Old Merch are you requesting from your alums? Old composites, paddles and/or trophies and furnishings taken from the house before it closed? Old unworn clothing items? Old shot glasses and plastic cups? Because I wouldn't want to be the new collegian who gets a sunscreen-stained t-shirt from 2012 Spring Break.

Start with an email giving an update on the chapter, like a semester recap. Invite alum to events you are already having, like initiation, senior ritual or banquet.

If the chapter was "booted" as you put it, there might still be a lot of hurt feelings among the women who were there. This usually doesn't happen all at once and more than likely it was several years of conflict with either the national org or the school, depending on your situation.

You're going to hear multiple versions of what happened and why the chapter closed and just remember that it will take throwing all of them in a blender to get the truth.

Like xidelt said, invite alumnae to events you are already having like a spring tea or parents' day. If the chapter alumnae have a Facebook group or page, reach out with a message letting them know that you vaiue their experience and their input and would like to get them involved.

As far as asking for merch...don't. It's honestly kind of tacky and the last thing you want to do is make alumnae feel like you are only contacting them to get stuff from them. If they have sweatshirts or t-shirts they'd like to donate, they'll take that initiative on their own once they get to know you. If you're having issues with wanting to be more "seen" on campus, either reach out to other chapters of your sorority or the other groups on campus and ask what vendors they use.